What is the proper procedure to change lanes?

The proper procedure to change lanes involves signaling your intention, checking mirrors for traffic or obstacles, checking your blind spot to ensure it's safe to move, and then executing the lane change.

Signaling is essential as it alerts other drivers of your intention to change lanes, contributing to safer driving conditions. Checking mirrors allows you to observe the traffic situation in the adjacent lanes and to be aware of any vehicles that may be alongside you. However, mirrors have limitations, especially in covering blind spots, which are areas not visible through standard mirrors. Thus, checking your blind spot is a critical step to ensure that there is no vehicle or obstacle directly next to you that could lead to a collision when you change lanes.

Implementing this comprehensive procedure helps to promote safe driving practices and minimizes the risk of accidents while making lane changes.